Another of the stories from my time in Bible Class as a youth that seemed to change its power in adulthood is the story of Jonah. When I read the story with more experienced eyes, the lessons opened up more fully. Let us look at the Word:
The LORD sent a big fish to swallow Jonah. Jonah was inside the fish for three days and three nights.
From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the LORD his God.
Jonah prayed:
“I called to the LORD in my distress,
and he answered me.
From the depths of my «watery» grave I cried for help,
and you heard my cry.
You threw me into the deep, into the depths of the sea,
and water surrounded me.
All the whitecaps on your waves have swept over me.
“Then I thought,
‘I have been banished from your sight.
Will I ever see your holy temple again?’
“Water surrounded me, threatening my life.
The deep «sea» covered me completely.
Seaweed was wrapped around my head.
I sank to the foot of the mountains.
I sank to the bottom,
where bars held me forever.
But you brought me back from the pit, O LORD, my God.
“As my life was slipping away, I remembered the LORD.
My prayer came to you in your holy temple.
Those who hold on to worthless idols abandon their loyalty «to you».
But I will sacrifice to you with songs of thanksgiving.
I will keep my vow.
Victory belongs to the LORD!”
Then the LORD spoke to the fish, and it spit Jonah out onto the shore.
Jonah 1:17-2:10
This is no silly story of a man gone swimming. It is no story simply of another person running from God's call. There are other places in the Word where God says His plans will be carried out, regardless; He doesn't necessarily require our human assistance (Esther, et al).
This is a great story of God calling a person to a task that is MUCH bigger than what any person could accomplish and then God equips and empowers the man so that he could see it through. The fish was not part of the punishment; it was part of his provision/salvation.
Jonah likely could have written his own sermon prior to his brush with death and God's provision. How much more powerful would a sermon be, however, with Jonah telling them of his person experience with God’s power? Also, how much more powerful is our story to others if we can see God’s work in our lives and share that? Look for the things that have taught you the most about how much God loves you and how He has carried you through in unique situations. Then share those things with others.
Blessings,
Shiann
